Clattenburg to sit out another weekend of fixtures

Mark Clattenburg will not referee a match for a second weekend running as he prepares to answer accusations from Chelsea.

The Football Association is investigating a complaint from Chelsea that the match official used “inappropriate language” towards John Obi Mikel during the Premier League match against Manchester United, understood to have been interpreted as being racist.

Clattenburg is due to meet the FA this week and the police, after a complaint was made to police from the Society of Black Lawyers, and has decided not to take charge of a match.

Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said: “PGMOL was fully prepared to appoint Mark to matches this weekend.

“However, having discussed this with him, we both consider that it is in Mark’s best interests that he has this week away from officiating duties while he prepares to help The FA and police with their enquiries.”